Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Wake Up

Last night's Young Urban Zen felt really sweet: several of us noticed how settled the zazen felt, very quiet and still even with more than thirty people in the space. Afterwards Eli gave a short but most thought-provoking mini way-seeking mind talk. I often notice that people start getting fidgety if they are just sitting and listening, so after some fifteen minutes of questions, I decided to try something that has been requested before, which is to split the group along gender lines. We didn't have a particular topic lined up, so I just suggested that in each group everyone took a turn to say a few words about why they had come along this evening, or, if they were regulars, what kept them coming back.
There were maybe twenty guys in the main room, and when it was my turn to speak, after half of them had already said their piece, I talked of noticing how my body was responding to the things that had been said. Many different ideas had been brought forward, but I felt so glad to be hearing of people's desire for practice and community, and happy to be a part of this offering. Unfortunately we didn't get time at the end to hear what the women had been talking about, but there seemed to be some warm feelings fostered as well.

Time for a not-unrelated naked plug: tomorrow night we are hosting monks, nuns and lay-people from the Thich Nhat Hanh lineage as part of their 2012 west coast Wake Up Tour, which is focused on bringing mindfulness to the 18-35 age group.They have posted some excerpts of their recent events here and here.We have been encouraging YUZ attendees to come along, and I invite any other reader within striking distance of San Francisco to come and support this event tomorrow evening from 7:30. The theme for the evening is meditation in the city in the 21st century. You don't have to be in that age group, but it helps.

5 comments:

The womens circle talked about the value of Young Urban Zen being in having a space to meditate, getting the opportunity to discuss the practical application of dharma texts, expanding our view of the world through listening to others, and sharing ideas brought up in the dharma talks with friends. YUZ is such a wonderful group that will have many positive ripple effects for years to come. Thanks to the leaders for their time and energy!